Reading Skills for Healthcare Workers

Kelly and Muna are co-workers and friends. Their jobs as CNAs keep them very busy, but they love their jobs because they know that helping to improve the lives of residents is special and important work.

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On a typical day, Muna and Kelly complete a variety of tasks as they care for their residents. For example, they might take residents to the cafeteria for meals or bring food to the rooms if residents are unable to go to the cafeteria.  When residents eat their meals, Kelly and Muna often sit with them to be sure they are eating their food safely.  When residents drink liquids, they might also need some assistance.

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Kelly and Muna help elderly residents stand up if they are weak or ill due to a stroke or surgery. Sometimes they take residents by the arm or hand and lead them down the hall or out into the courtyard for a short walk or some fresh air.  They may also need to assist residents to get out of or into their beds or wake up residents who have been sleeping.

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Another common CNA task is helping residents to choose the clothes that they would like to wear each day.  Many residents have memory problems and might not remember wearing the same shirt three or four days in a row, so Kelly and Muna may suggest a different shirt and explain why, if necessary. Also, if a resident gains or loses weight or if clothes shrink in the dryer, a pair of pants might fit the resident one day, but not a different day.  The kind guidance of a CNA helps to keep the residents looking and feeling their best every day.

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If a resident is ill or has a health concern, Kelly and Muna will be sure to let their supervising nurse know and also record it in the resident’s daily care log.  For example, someone might have a headache, back pain, or sores on their skin.  Of course, if an injury or illness is serious, the CNA will need to tell the supervising nurse right away.